Publicis Groupe has appointed Susie Nam as CEO of Publicis Creative US. She replaces longtime Publicis Groupe media and creative veteran Andrew Swinand who the company said would be leaving in the spring to pursue other opportunities.
In her new role, Nam will oversee iconic agency brands including Leo Burnett, Saatchi & Saatchi, Fallon, BBH, Team One, The Community and Turner Duckworth. She will report to Carla Serrano, group chief strategy officer, Publicis Groupe.
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Previously, Nam was CEO of the Americas for Droga5, where she served for 14 years in a number of roles spanning account management and operations. She was named COO in 2015 and CEO in 2021; she left in May of this year. Publicis credits her ability to “design agency systems and culture that yield breakthrough ideas and best-in-class talent.”
Nam began her career in publishing as a journalist at George magazine before serving as features editor for The New York Times’ first online edition. She then studied at the London School of Economics, practiced as an urban planner in England, and returned to the US where she turned her talents to advertising at Fallon. She joined Droga5 in 2009.
A Korean-American executive, Nam is also known for her ongoing advocacy and leadership for diversity, equality and inclusion across communities. She currently serves as the chair of the ADCOLOR Board of Directors. She is an Aspen Institute First Movers Fellow, was recognized among The Ad Club’s 2023 Innovators, and was recently honored with the Impact Award by the Asian American Federation.
“While there is incredible innovation and connectivity that sets rich circumstances for good work, the essential ingredient remains best in class creativity. I hope to help all the agencies and their leadership toward this ambition,” stated Nam.
“Susie's last role focused on finding that bridge between creativity, data, technology and consultancy,” added Serrano. “Her new position at Publicis allows her to fulfill this vision in practice, and tremendous opportunity lies ahead for our clients, our agency brands and our talent.”
Swinand has served as US creative and production chief for the last three years and has also led the Leo Burnett Group since 2017. Earlier he founded marketing technology consultancy Transparent and was also a founder of Abundant Venture Partners.
Before departing for the martech startup and advisory sector, Swinand was president of Publicis Groupe’s Starcom Mediavest Group from 2000 to 2011. He started his agency career at BBDO.